3 Postpartum Truths Every New Mom Should Know

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After you give birth, everyone around you will talk about the baby. They’ll gush about how cute your little one is, give advice on feeding and sleep deprivation, and shower you with baby care products. However, you went through something massive, physically and emotionally, and you deserve to be heard and cared for, too.

The postpartum experience is different for every new mom and is filled with realizations and feelings, both good and bad, that you may not have expected. So many things about the transition period after giving birth aren’t talked about openly, and they should be. 

That’s why today, we’re sharing a few of the postpartum truths no one really talks about, but every new mom deserves to know. These are the quiet truths that are unspoken, but deeply felt. Learning about them can help you navigate this new chapter with more grace and self-compassion.

You Might Not Feel an Instant Bond with Your Baby

For some moms, bonding with their newborn baby doesn’t feel natural or instant. Maybe you feel numb or disconnected, even if you’re carrying your baby. Giving birth is intense, and your hormones and overall emotional health may be shifting. Love can grow over time as you heal.

One thing you can do to foster that connection with your baby is practice skin-to-skin contact a few times a day. This triggers oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. This can help boost emotional intimacy between you and your little one and help make nurturing become second nature to you.

Burnout Happens Soon After the Baby Comes

Many moms don’t get to rest after giving birth. The second you become a baby, you need to work, constantly feeding, soothing, and caring for your little bundle of joy. The long, sleepless nights can easily lead to burnout, which can manifest through irritability and mental fog for many new moms.

When you feel this level of exhaustion, it’s important to explain mom burnout to your partner so you can get the support you need. Ask for help so that you can rest and take breaks. You don’t have to do it all alone, and you shouldn’t have to force yourself to try.

Your Body Might Not Bounce Back Fast

Society praises moms who throw themselves into exercise right after giving birth to get that figure back. But bodies don’t shift back that fast after bringing a baby into the world. Don’t let that pressure get to you, especially if you’re experiencing hindrances in fitness after birth.

Get back to the grind slowly and steadily because you love your body, not because of societal pressure to look a certain way after giving birth. It’s important to work out for strength and recovery, not to look a certain way. 

It also helps to remember that you have options if you want to get back into shape. If you’re feeling insecure about your body months after birth, you can speak with a trusted tummy tuck surgeon who can walk you through safe solutions that boost your confidence and well-being.

Endnote

Postpartum recovery is both beautiful and exhausting. You owe it to yourself to be kind and understanding of your thoughts and feelings, and how your body is responding to this huge life shift. If you’re in the thick of it now, take a deep breath. Remember that your mind and body are still healing, and you’re doing way better than you think. 

What matters is that you’re showing up, not just for yourself, but for your little one, too. This season, as hard as it is to navigate, won’t last forever. You and your baby are growing together, one day at a time.